The '''Battle of Tumhalad''' was the last battle of the Elves of [[Nargothrond]]. It was fought on the plain of [[Tumhalad]] between the [[Narog]] and its tributary, the [[Ginglith]].

The '''Battle of Tumhalad''' was the last battle of the Elves of [[Nargothrond]]. It was fought on the plain of [[Tumhalad]] between the [[Narog]] and its tributary, the [[Ginglith]].

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The battle was fought as result of a massive [[Orcs|Orc]]-buildup beneath the [[Ered Wethrin|Mountains of Shadow]] and in the [[Pass of Sirion]]. Messengers from [[Círdan]] brought these tidings and a message from Círdan concerning a warning from the [[Vala]] [[Ulmo]] that the Elves of Nargothrond should not fight in open battles against the armies of [[Morgoth]].

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The battle was fought as result of a massive [[Orcs|Orc]]-buildup beneath the [[Ered Wethrin|Mountains of Shadow]] and in the [[Pass of Sirion]]. Messengers from [[Círdan]] brought these tidings and a message from Círdan concerning a warning from the [[Valar|Vala] [[Ulmo]] that the Elves of Nargothrond should not fight in open battles against the armies of [[Morgoth]].

However [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]], a [[Men|Man]] and an influential commander of Nargothrond's forces, urged King [[Orodreth]] to venture out and fight the forces of Morgoth.

However [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]], a [[Men|Man]] and an influential commander of Nargothrond's forces, urged King [[Orodreth]] to venture out and fight the forces of Morgoth.

Revision as of 15:25, 11 January 2011

The Battle of Tumhalad was the last battle of the Elves of Nargothrond. It was fought on the plain of Tumhalad between the Narog and its tributary, the Ginglith.

The battle was fought as result of a massive Orc-buildup beneath the Mountains of Shadow and in the Pass of Sirion. Messengers from Círdan brought these tidings and a message from Círdan concerning a warning from the [[Valar|Vala] Ulmo that the Elves of Nargothrond should not fight in open battles against the armies of Morgoth.

However Túrin Turambar, a Man and an influential commander of Nargothrond's forces, urged King Orodreth to venture out and fight the forces of Morgoth.

The Elves of Nargothrond, though, were not used to open battle for they had always waged a guerilla war, ambushing but never assaulting the forces of Morgoth. Also, the evil hosts were larger than anticipated and led by the DragonGlaurung.

The forces of Nargothrond could not withstand the assault and were driven towards the plain of Tumhalad, were most of them, including King Orodreth and the Elf-lord Gwindor, were slain. Only Túrin withstood the attack of Glaurung, as he wore the Dwarven-crafted Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin.

Possible numbers for the battle are at least 30,000 Noldorin Elves, as Nargothrond had barely participated in th crushing defeat of the Nirnaeth Arnoediad. The army led by Glaurung must have been at least 70,000 if they could've defeated such a large Noldorin force, although it is likely that the presence of Glaurung contributed greatly to the elven defeat.
Casualties for the Elves could've been as high as 25,000, with the remainder fleeing to Doriath, the Isle of Balar or possibly rallying to the defence of Nargothrond itself. Glaurung's army likely suffered heavy casualties as well, with possibly two thirds of the force being destroyed.[source?]